Muscle agonist-antagonist groups

Muscle agonist-antagonist groups refer to the pairs of muscles that work together to produce movement and maintain posture. The agonist muscle contracts to produce the primary movement, while the antagonist muscle relaxes and lengthens to allow the movement to occur.

Examples of agonist-antagonist muscle groups:

1. Biceps brachii (agonist) - Triceps brachii (antagonist)

    - Elbow flexion (bending) vs. extension (straightening)

2. Quadriceps (agonist) - Hamstrings (antagonist)

    - Knee extension (straightening) vs. flexion (bending)

3. Deltoids (agonist) - Rotator cuff muscles (antagonist)

    - Shoulder abduction (lifting out to the side) vs. adduction (bringing back to the body)

4. Pectoralis major (agonist) - Latissimus dorsi (antagonist)

    - Shoulder flexion (lifting forward) vs. extension (reaching backward)

5. Tibialis anterior (agonist) - Gastrocnemius (antagonist)

    - Ankle dorsiflexion (lifting up) vs. plantarflexion (pointing down)

6. Abdominals (agonist) - Erector spinae (antagonist)

    - Trunk flexion (bending forward) vs. extension (arching backward)

7. Hip flexors (agonist) - Gluteus maximus (antagonist)

    - Hip flexion (lifting knee up) vs. extension (straightening)

Understanding agonist-antagonist muscle groups is important for:

1. Movement analysis and biomechanics

2. Exercise programming and muscle balance

3. Injury prevention and rehabilitation

4. Posture and movement correction